Postdoctoral position in molecular tumour biology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctoral scientist for the project ”Understanding the role of splicing in neuroblastoma”. The position is full-time for two years with access as soon as possible or by agreement.

Neuroblastoma (NB) arises in the sympathetic nervous system and is the most frequent extracranial solid childhood cancer, with a high degree of clinical heterogeneity ranging from spontaneous regression to fatal progression. In this project the student will address how different aspects of RNA-splicing affect neuroblastoma. In addition, we will also investigate whether these aspects represent selective vulnerabilities in neuroblastoma cells which can serve as suitable therapeutic targets.

Work tasks will include but not be limited to analyzing experiments in collaboration with the supervisor. The post-doc will analyze the role of RNA-splicing as a regulator cellular state and differentiation in neuroblastoma. The applicant is expected to exhibit a high level of autonomy and be able to independently and responsibly address the scientific questions of the project.

Specific key responsibilities:

• Design and refine bioinformatics pipelines utilizing Nextflow for comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analysis.
• Perform advanced analysis of long-read sequencing data, with a particular focus on transcriptomics using platforms like PacBio and Oxford Nanopore.
• Conduct differential splicing analysis using long read data to identify and characterize alternative transcripts.
• Engage in single-cell sequencing data analysis, contributing insights to our ongoing research in cellular heterogeneity and dynamics.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to interpret data and drive forward our research objectives.

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in life sciences (e.g., biology, biochemistry, medicine or biomedicine) is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.

Essential qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Python for bioinformatics applications.
• Experience in pipeline development for genomic data analysis, preferably with Nextflow.
• In-depth knowledge of long-read sequencing technologies and their application in transcriptomic research.
• Familiarity with High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments and local computational setups.

The high complexity of the project demands that the applicant has the proper problem-solving skills. You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills are required. Proficiency in written and spoken English also required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.

Desirable skills:

• Basic knowledge of single-cell sequencing techniques and data analysis.
• Experience with differential splicing analysis on transcript, exon and event level.
• Experience with additional programming languages such as R or Perl.
• Exposure to machine learning approaches in the context of genomic and transcriptomic data analysis.

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position. 
• CV
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest xx December 2023.  

We look forward to receiving your application!

The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher. More information about the group's research can be found on our website https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/johan-holmberg/ . For more information of The Department of Molecular biology please visit our website www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology .